News release

Province, Forestry Safety Society Sign Agreement

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

The Forestry Safety Society of Nova Scotia will be better able to develop and deliver top-notch safety programs for Christmas tree growers, loggers, sawmill workers, truckers and other society members thanks to an investment by the province.

As part of an agreement signed today, Jan. 18, the province will provide $70,000 per year for the next three years to the non-profit society for its program. The agreement formalizes a commitment made in October in the province's forestry transition program.

"The work being done by the Forestry Safety Society cannot be underestimated," said David Morse, Minister of Natural Resources. "By making employers and employees better aware of the risks and responsibilities associated with their work, the society helps ensure a safe work environment. That better serves the industry and has already led to a significant reduction in workplace accidents."

The Forestry Safety Society of Nova Scotia, established in 1997, is funded by subscription paid by the forest industry through the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. The provincial investment will not reduce or offset those payments made by the industry.

"The society welcomes the province's timely response," said John MacLellan, Forestry Safety Society manager. "This funding allows the Forestry Safety Society to improve the programs required by the industry."

It is the society's mission to develop and deliver cost effective, quality training programs. The society works to ensure a safe work environment and a skilled work force for Nova Scotia's forest industry, in compliance with industry and government regulations.